Barrie in Simcoe County, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
Hewitt Bernard 1825-1893
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 5, 2024
1. Hewitt Bernard 1825-1893 Marker
Born in Jamaica, Bernard immigrated to Canada and settled in Barrie, where in 1856 he established a law practice. He was chief clerk, 1858-66, in the office of the attorney general for Canada West, John A. Macdonald, and later became his brother-in-law. Bernard accompanied Macdonald to the Charlottetown Conference (1864), and was the secretary of the Quebec (1864) and London (1866-67) Conferences, at which the groundwork was laid for Confederation. A lieutenant-colonel in the militia, he served as aide-de-camp to two governors-general, Viscount Monck and Baron Stanley of Preston. He also served as deputy minister of justice, 1868-76. Bernard died at Montreal in 1893 and is buried at Ottawa.
Erected by Archaeological and Historic Sites Board of Ontario.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Ontario Heritage Trust series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1825.
Location. 44° 23.175′ N, 79° 41.417′ W. Marker is in Barrie, Ontario, in Simcoe County. It can be reached from Lakeshore Drive just south of Simcoe Street, on the right when traveling south. The marker is located along the Waterfront Heritage Trail, between the City of Barrie
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Central Ontario Cottage Country and specifically in Georgian Bay Country. It is also in Central Canada. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony, the Viceroyalty of New France, the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, and Ruperts Land.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Willard Kinzie (here, next to this marker); "Spirit Catcher" (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Five Points (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Memorial Square (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Railway Watercraft (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Nine Mile Portage (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Birth of Barrie (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Wharfs & Boatworks (approx. 0.4 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Barrie.
More about this marker. Both sides of this marker have the same English inscription.
Also see . . .
1. Hewitt Bernard (Wikipedia).
Excerpt: Hewitt Bernard CMG was a Canadian lawyer, militia officer, editor, and civil servant. After Confederation, Bernard served as the private secretary to the Prime Minister between 1867 and 1873. He was also the Deputy Minister of Justice from 1868 to 1876. Some historians, such as P. B. Waite, consider Bernard to be a Father of Confederation. In 1872, he was made a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 5, 2024
2. Hewitt Bernard 1825-1893 Marker
Looking south; the Waterfront Heritage Trail is on the left.
2. Hewitt Bernard (Dictionary of Canadian Biography).
(by P.B. Waite) Excerpt: As the first years of confederation wore on, Bernard gradually assumed the role of leading deputy minister. At the time of the federal election of 1872, with every minister out of town, he was effectively the major-domo for the whole government. Work was his only consolation for having to live in Ottawa, which he called the Ultima Thule of ennui and wretchedness and a hot, dusty, fifth rate little Peddlington. Poor health caught up with him in 1876 and he resigned in August, though he periodically became involved in government business thereafter as a consultant.(Submitted on November 19, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 5, 2024
3. Hewitt Bernard 1825-1893 Marker
Looking north; the Lakeshore Drive Parking lot is in the background.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 19, 2024. It was originally submitted on November 19, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 144 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 19, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
